How to String a Plumb Bob

Written By
Anne Rose
Anne Rose
Published: Oct 26, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

To use a plumb bob, mark the spot above the area you are creating a vertical line to, wrap the plumb bob string around a nail or other object and lower the plumb bob until it is very close to the working surface but not touching. When the plumb bob stops swinging, the pointed end of the plumb bob will be exactly in line with the point above. The two points are in perfect vertical alignment.

Things You Will Need

  • Plumb bob
  • Plumb bob braided linen cord
  • Scissors
  1. Unscrew the removable top at the end opposite the pointed end of the plumb bob.

  2. Feed the plumb bob dry line or string through the hole in the removable top. The line should be at least the height from floor to ceiling; 8 feet is typical.

  3. Tie a double knot in the end of the string. Pull the remaining string through the plumb bob top until the knot sits inside the removable cap.

  4. Replace the cap on the weighted and pointed end of the plumb bob.

The Drip Cap

  • A plumb bob is used to transfer points from below or above a pre-determined point so that they are in vertical alignment.
  • Unscrew the removable top at the end opposite the pointed end of the plumb bob.

References

Anne Rose

Anne Rose is a communicator with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English editorial from Northwestern University, with expertise in interactive media, event marketing and public speaking. She is a freelance writer and blogs, tweets and webs…

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